3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
All Weather Track
(All Races)
Race 1
#4 SONIC BOOM has a sound record on the all weather track and is worthy of strong consideration now he's drawn low.
His past two efforts have been extremely honest after pushing hard from the deep alleys but ultimately zapped him of the energy to win.
Mathew Chadwick continues his recent association with the Cody Mo trained runner and he'll be eager, at his 4th consecutive ride, to get the job done.
#2 SILVER DESTINY comes on to the all weather surface for his first official attempt and that'll create plenty of interest along with Zac Purton to ride.
The pair were seen performing nicely behind subsequent winner GOOD VIEW GLORY in a trial at the end of November.
A fast time was recorded in that particular heat and he traveled comfortably all the way to the line.
#6 WOODFIRE CHAMP found plenty of bother at Happy Valley last start so that run should be completely overlooked.
His two efforts prior at Happy Valley were excellent on speed performances, which incorporated a win, and on that basis alone he should be featuring here.
The all weather track under race conditions/pressure remains the only questionable factor but he works on it brilliantly everyday.
#10 DIAMOND SOARS is an on speed runner with good experience and ability on the all weather track.
His past 3 efforts over 1000m at Happy Valley were much better than they appear and from the inside draw he can push up hard to lead.
The 7lb claim being utilised via apprentice Ellis Wong is also very likely to assist in the run to the post.
#3 SPEEDY FORTUNE was a one time winner in class 4 earlier in his career so his best effort would have him competitive.
He's often ridden for speed, and can definitely perform competently on this surface, but with the blinkers coming off he maybe ridden with patience.
With barrier 10 to exit from he'll require luck, but he's close to another win.
Selections : 4,2,6,10,3
R2 - 13,10,1,2,7
R3 - 7,6,9,5,1
R4 - 10,1,9,11,12
R5 - 2,6,5,8,12
Race 6
#4 RELIABLE PROFIT has put together a sensational season so far with 3 undefeated runs on the all weather track.
How much higher he can go remains a mystery but you would think by the way he's going, whatever beats him wins.
There is plenty of early speed, which he adores, and the opposition doesn't look any tougher than what he's already beat, so he's hard to bet against.
#5 VIVA CHALEUR arrived to Hong Kong from France G1 placed in the Prix Mornay at Deauville in 2021.
The former Andre Fabre trained 2yo is still to fully acclimatise to Hong Kong lifestyle but it's been evident recently that he's almost there.
His third placing at Happy Valley three back was the best he's gone in years, so considering his arrival rating of 82, and the fact a familiar rider jumps back aboard, I'm keen to include him and play win/place.
#7 JUMBO FORTUNE arrived a G3 winning 2yo from Australia but hasn't been able to reach those glowing heights.
His only Hong Kong win came last season of a rating of 60 points and he's currently 8 points lower than that right now.
However, the stable change to David Eustace during the off season break has seen his consistency improve, so with James McDonald to ride it would be advisable to include him in calculations.
#13 YODA'S CHOICE is on the quick back up from last Sunday where he was pressured on speed before being overhauled through the final 200m.
The run was solid that afternoon and the quick back up is well know as a probable winning formula.
However, the rise back up into class 4 shall test his depth and character, but, the weight relief that goes with it shall assist his on speed momentum.
#3 MASSIVE ACTION does his best work when he can lead and dictate the pace.
Now he's back in class 4, and drawn a low gate, he becomes a reputable option and can be entertained.
On the flip side, there's a couple of younger and equally as quick beginners taking part in this event and they have the ability to cause him issues.
Selections : 4,5,7,13,3
R7 - 11,1,2,6,8
R8 - 7,1,10,4,6